Transfer sheet guiding device

Abstract

A transfer sheet guiding device for guiding a transfer sheet along a predetermined path. The device includes a separating member for separating one lateral side of a transfer sheet from an image carrying member, a rotary body, located adjacent the one lateral side for gripping the separated side of the transfer sheet and guiding it away from the image carrying member, a guide member having a stepped portion which extends across the transport path of the transfer sheet, the position of stepped portion being disposed progressively further downstream in the advancing direction of the transfer sheet from the side where the rotary body is provided to the opposite side, and a rotary member which extends along the rotary body and guide member at the one lateral side for gripping the separated side of the transfer sheet and guiding it downwardly at least along the stepped portion in cooperation with the rotary body and guide member. The device may further include a heater for the guide member so that it also operates as a hot plate fixing device.

What we claim is: 
     
       1. A transfer sheet guiding device for guiding a transfer sheet along a predetermined path, comprising: a separating member for separating one lateral side of a transfer sheet from an image carrying member;   a rotary body, located adjacent said one lateral side, for gripping the separated side of the transfer sheet and guiding the same in a direction away from the image carrying member;   a guide member provided downstream of said rotary body and having a stepped portion which extends across the transport path of said transfer sheet in such a manner that the position of said stepped portion is progressively disposed further downstream in the advancing direction of the transfer sheet from the side where said rotary body is provided to the opposite side; and   a rotary member which extends along said rotary body and said guide member adjacent said one lateral side for gripping the separated side of the transfer sheet and guiding it at least along said stepped portion in cooperation with said rotary body and guide member.   
     
     
       2. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 1 wherein said guide member is provided with a heat source whereby said guide member functions as a guide-heating member for the transfer sheet to be transported. 
     
     
       3. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 1 wherein said guide member comprises a first guide surface located at substantially the same height as that of the peripheral surface of said rotary body, a second guide surface parallel to said first guide surface and located lower than said first guide surface, and a curved surface interconnecting said first and second guide surfaces. 
     
     
       4. A transfer sheet guiding device comprising: a rotary body, located adjacent one lateral side of the transport path for a transfer sheet, for gripping and transporting one side of the transfer sheet;   a guide member provided downstream of said rotary body and having a stepped portion which extends across the transport path of said transfer sheet in such a manner that the position of said stepped portion is progressively disposed further downstream in the advancing direction of the transfer sheet from the side where said rotary body is provided to the opposite side;   means for heating said guide member; and   a rotary member which extends along said rotary body and said guide member for gripping the one side of the transfer sheet and guiding the same downwardly at least along said stepped portion in cooperation with said rotary body and guide member.   
     
     
       5. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 4 wherein said guide member comprises a first guide surface located at substantially the same height as that of said rotary body, a second guide surface parallel to said first guide surface and located lower than said first guide surface, and a curved surface interconnecting said first and second guide surfaces. 
     
     
       6. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 1 or 4 wherein said rotary member is a belt supported by a plurality of pulleys. 
     
     
       7. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 6 wherein at least one of said plurality of pulleys maintains said belt in pressure contact with said rotary body. 
     
     
       8. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 1 or 4 wherein said stepped portion of said guide member comprises a convex cylindrical surface and a concave cylindrical surface interconnected by a planar downwardly sloping surface. 
     
     
       9. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 1 or 4 wherein said stepped portion of said guide member comprises a convex cylindrical surface and a concave cylindrical surface connected together directly. 
     
     
       10. A transfer sheet guiding device according to claim 1 or 4 wherein said guide member is provided with a convex surface so as to form a higher surface in the upstream portion and a concave surface so as to form a lower surface in the downstream portion with respect to the advancing direction of the transfer sheet, said convex surface extending diagonally with respect thereto so that it is at a more upstream position on said one lateral side and at a more downstream position on said opposite side and being provided with a curvature substantially the same as that of said rotary body.